reg 12 Application for a regulatory approval in relation to a regulated activity
(1) Where an application is made for a regulatory approval in relation to a regulated activity to which this Part applies, neither the regulator nor the appropriate authority may deal with the application or exercise any functions under these Regulations in relation to it until the appropriate authority has received the following material from the applicant— (a) a chart or map (or both) sufficient to identify where the regulated activity would be carried out and the extent of any operations which it would involve; (b) a description (including a plan) of the nature of the project, identifying the regulated activity to be carried out in the course of that project; (c) a statement of the working methods to be used in the course of the project and in carrying out the regulated activity; (d) an environmental statement in respect of the project; and (e) a copy of any environmental statement in respect of the project provided or to be provided to any other consenting authority. (2) An environmental statement must— (a) be in writing; ... (b) include at least— (i) a description of the project and the regulated activity, comprising information on the site, design, size and other relevant features of the project and the regulated activity; (ii) a description of the likely significant effects of the project and the regulated activity on the environment; (iii) a description of the features of the project and the regulated activity or the measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment; (iv) a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the applicant which are relevant to the project and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the project on the environment; (v) a non-technical summary of the information referred to in paragraphs (i) to (iv); and (vi) any additional information specified in Schedule 3 relevant to the specific characteristics of a particular project or type of project and to the environmental features likely to be affected; (c) where a scoping opinion has been given in accordance with regulation 13 and Schedule 4, be based on the most recent scoping opinion given (so far as the project remains materially the same as the project which was subject to that opinion); (d) include the information reasonably required for reaching a conclusion about the significant effects of the project on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment; (e) (with a view to avoiding duplication of assessments), be prepared taking into account the results of any relevant UK environmental assessment which are reasonably available to the applicant; (f) be prepared by competent persons; and (g) be accompanied by a statement from the applicant outlining the relevant experience or qualifications of such persons. (3) The appropriate authority may specify— (a) the format in which the applicant must provide the material referred to in paragraph (1); and (b) the number of copies of the material in that format that the applicant must provide to it and to the regulator (if the regulator is not also the appropriate authority). (3A) The appropriate authority must ensure that it has, or has access as necessary to, sufficient expertise to examine the environmental statement. (4) The applicant must comply with any reasonable requirement made in accordance with paragraph (3) and, until this has been done— (a) neither the regulator nor the appropriate authority need deal further with, or exercise any functions under these Regulations in relation to, the application; and (b) the regulator must not reach its regulatory decision. (5) Where an applicant has failed to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2), or any requirements of the appropriate authority under paragraph (3), within such reasonable period as the appropriate authority has specified or such longer period as the appropriate authority may reasonably allow— (a) the regulator may treat the application as having been withdrawn; and (b) the appropriate authority (if the regulator is not also the appropriate authority) may direct the regulator to do so.